St. Louis Public Schools “Back to School” Update
District prepares for 2006-2007 School Year

(July 26, 2006) –The first day of school for the 2006-2007 school year for the St. Louis Public Schools is Monday, August 28. Interim Superintendent Dr. Diana Bourisaw says she is optimistic about the progress that has taken place to ensure that the first day is a success.

“We are working very hard to make sure everything is in place to welcome our students back to school,” said Bourisaw. “When you have a district as large as this one, it’s important that you openly communicate with parents and students about the progress that is being made for the upcoming school year.”

Although the first day of school is five weeks away, district officials have made significant progress:

• Ninety-one percent of teachers at the reconstituted schools have been placed and know the classroom where they will teach next year.
• All principals have been selected for schools.
• Our new operations department is working diligently to ensure all of our facilities are ready for kids on August 28.
• All textbooks have been ordered for the 2006-2007 school year.
• Professional development for teachers and principals is scheduled.
• Bus routes for the 2006-2007 school year have been scheduled. The district will be using yellow buses for all elementary, middle and high school students living 1 mile and above from their assigned school.
• Two Back to School rallies are scheduled: August 19, from 9 am – 1 pm at the Gateway Complex; August 26, from 12pm-5pm at the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls’ Club and at the Monsanto YMCA of Greater St. Louis.

For more information about the 2006-2007 school year, log onto the St. Louis Public Schools website at www.slps.org